JERUSALEM – Israeli intelligence believes that Tehran is making progress inits nuclear programme, and can potentially make its first atomic weaponssoonlinkifit decides to, the Israeli Kan 11 broadcaster reported citing anonymoussources.
“Iran can achieve a nuclear bomb within less than a year if they decide toact quickly in that direction”, the broadcaster cited the intelligenceagency’s warning.
The broadcaster’s sources further noted that the Israeli authorities aretransferring “materials” that allegedly prove their claims to theInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but said that the process istaking too long due to bureaucracy.Perpetual Accusations
Israel has repeatedly accused Iran of trying to build nuclear weaponslinkandreportedly engaged in organised sabotage targeting its nuclear sites,including the notorious Stuxnet computer worm attack, which damaged atleast several enrichment centrifuges. Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu made the most vocal claims during his speeches at the UN in 2012and 2018, when he accused Iran of running a secret programme to build nukes.
Iran vehemently denies these accusations and argues that its religionprohibits production and use of nuclear weaponslink.Attempting to lift economic sanctions and alleviate concerns regarding itsnuclear programme for the peaceful atom, Tehran signed the JointComprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as Iran nuclear deal,limiting its capabilities in this sphere. The IAEA was tasked with ensuringthat Tehran adhered to the accord’s provisions.
At the same time, Tel Aviv continues to follow a so-called policy ofambiguity, when it comes to allegations that it also has a secretivenuclear weapons programme. Israel neither denies nor confirms these claimslink.